How many years does it take to become a perinatal nurse?

It takes between 2-4 years to become a perinatal nurse, two years to complete an ADN and four years to earn a BSN. Advanced perinatal nurse jobs often require certification, which usually requires two years of experience as a perinatal nurse.

How do perinatal nurses work with other healthcare professionals?

Perinatal nurses work under physicians or advanced practice nurses such as nurse midwives. Their duties may include supervising nursing assistants. Once an infant is born, they may transfer care to a neonatal nurse.

What career advancement opportunities are available for perinatal nurses?

Perinatal nurse jobs offer advancement through experience, education, and certification. Advanced practice nurses such as nurse midwives or nurse practitioners earn higher perinatal nurse salaries.

What are perinatal mental health conditions?

Postpartum depression is the best known perinatal mental health condition, but patients experience a range of conditions, including anxiety. Additionally, trauma during pregnancy can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder. Perinatal nurse jobs often include educating pregnant patients on perinatal mental health and the warning signs of serious conditions.

Perinatal Nurse Career Overview

How Long to Become

2-4 Years

Average Annual Salary

$78,268

Job Outlook (2024-2034)

5% Growth for all RNs

Perinatal Nurse Career in Brief

adn or bsn required

certification optional

Perinatal nurse jobs involve providing healthcare for pregnant patients and education for the entire family. Perinatal nurses work under physicians or nurse practitioners and may supervise nursing assistants.

A perinatal nurse practitioner may be a woman's primary care provider during her pregnancy. After labor and delivery, neonatal nurses may take over caring duties for the infant.

Career Traits

Communication
Empathy
Collaboration
Teaching skills

Where Do Perinatal Nurses Work?

A perinatal nurse practitioner may be a woman's primary care provider during her pregnancy. After labor and delivery, neonatal nurses may take over caring duties for the infant.

Maternity Wards

Perinatal nurses assist with birth and provide immediate care like helping the infant to nurse. They also educate new parents and families on infant care.

OB/GYN Offices

Perinatal nurses prepare pregnant patients and their families for the upcoming birth, help develop birth plans, and provide follow-up care.

Home Health Services

Perinatal nurses help arrange healthy home environments for infants, serve as a resource for pregnant patients and expecting families, and monitor patient's health.

What Is the Difference Between Perinatal Nursing and Neonatal Nursing?

There is some overlap between perinatal nurse jobs and neonatal nurse jobs, but in general, perinatal nurses focus their care on the pregnant patient across all stages of pregnancy, while neonatal nurses provide specialized care for newborn infants.

Perinatal Nursing

Neonatal Nursing

How to Become a Perinatal Nurse

How Much Do Perinatal Nurses Make?

PayScale reports an average annual base salary of $78,268 for perinatal nurses. Perinatal nurses might pursue an MSN or a DNP and advanced certification to become advanced practice registered nurses, accessing higher salaries. Nurse practitioners earn a median annual wage of $129,210, and nurse midwives earn a median of $128,790.

New perinatal nurses enter a healthy job market; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roles for RNs, including perinatal nurse jobs, to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, faster than the average job growth rate.